Generic Abilities as Rank Ordered by Baby Boomer and Generation X Physical Therapists

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Generational differences in the classroom and workplace have been the topic of several recent books and seminars, and has inspired our hypothesis that physical therapists (PTs) from different generations may perceive professional behaviors differently. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the 2 largest generations employed in the current physical therapy workforce—the Baby Boomers Generation (born 1946-1964) and Generation X (born 1965-1981)—rank order the importance of the generic abilities. Subjects. A convenience sample of 400 PTs was systematically selected from the 2003 APTA state membership lists of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Methods. Subjects were sent a survey asking them to rank order the 10 generic abilities by perceived importance. Differences between rank order of the groups were analyzed using a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Results. A total of 172 surveys were analyzed: 66 (38%) taken from Baby Boomers, and 106 (62%) taken from Generation X, which was proportional to APTA membership. Statistically significant differences (P<.05) were found in the ranking of 3 generic abilities: responsibility, commitment to learning, and stress management. However, these differences did not result in a difference of the overall rank order of all 10 generic abilities between Baby Boomer and Generation X PTs. When this current rank order of generic abilities was visually compared with the original rank order published in 1995, a notable difference was seen. Critical thinking and problem solving moved to the top of the list. Discussion and Conclusion. These findings suggest there is no difference in how Baby Boomers and Generation X PTs rank generic abilities. The findings also suggest there may have been a change in the perceived importance of generic abilities as the physical therapy profession has evolved over time. Further research is needed to determine how these changes occur and how to cultivate professionalism in the workplace and clinic.